Happy Families: 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Sibling Relationships

August 24, 2015

share

Find time to talk one-on-one with each of your siblings. Get to know them by learning about their goals, struggles, social lives, and other personal aspects of their lives. The more you understand them, the clearer it will become to you how Heavenly Father sees and loves them. You might be surprised by how well you can relate to each other.

2. Encourage each other.

Cheer your siblings on. Celebrate with them when they succeed, and lift them up when they fail. Express your love and support often. If you encourage them to become their best, they may do the same for you.

3. Forgive each other.

President Thomas S. Monson said: “In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals.”

4. Serve each other.

What can you do for your siblings today? If you pray for opportunities to serve them, Heavenly Father will provide them. By praying for them and serving them, your love for you siblings will grow.

“Through our heartfelt kindness and service, we can make friends with those whom we serve,” Elder M. Russell Ballard said.

5. Have fun together.

In one episode of Happy Families Extra, 13-year-old Ashlyn says, “We’ve got a fun family, but my brothers aren’t perfect—because no one is. So we do have arguments every once in a while. But what’s really important is that we can have fun together.”

Be creative together. Laugh together. Play together.

What other ways do you strengthen your sibling relationships? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments to inspire others!